Exercising machine with adjustable stride length and height

ABSTRACT

An exercising machine includes a base frame, a rotary member, left and right rocker link units, left and right cross links, and front and rear coupling units. The rotary member is mounted rotatably on the base frame. The left and right rocker link units are coupled pivotably to the base frame. The front coupling unit couples pivotably the rotary member to a selected one of engaging segments of each of the left and right cross link units to thereby permit adjustment of stride height. The rear coupling unit couples pivotably each of the left and right cross links to a selected one of engaging segments of each of the left and right rocker link units to thereby permit adjustment of stride length.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an exercising machine, more particularly to an elliptical exercising machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional exercising machine that includes a base frame 11, left and right rocker link units 10, and left and right foot pedals 13. The left and right rocker link units 10 constitute a four-bar linkage. That is, each of the left and right rocker link units 10 includes parallel front and rear rocker links 101, 102. The front rocker link 101 of each of the left and right rocker link units 10 has an upper end that is coupled pivotably to the base frame 11 through a shock absorber 14. The rear rocker link 102 of each of the left and right rocker link units 10 has an upper end that is coupled pivotably to the base frame 11. The conventional exercising machine further includes a pair of left and right handles 12, each of which is coupled to a respective one of the left and right rocker link units 10. Each of the left and right foot pedals 13 is coupled pivotably to the respective one of the left and right rocker link units 10.

When the conventional exercising machine is in use, that is, when the user (not shown) steps on the left and right foot pedals 13, the striding movement performed by the user corresponds to motion made while walking. Alternatively, when each of the rear rocker links 102 is secured to the base frame 11 via a securing pin 15, and other minor connection adjustments are made, an exercise simulating motion while climbing can be performed by the user.

The aforementioned conventional exercising machine is disadvantageous in that the stride length and height thereof are fixed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide an exercising machine with adjustable stride length and height.

According to the present invention, an exercising machine comprises a base frame, a resistance-imparting rotary member, left and right rocker link units, left and right foot pedals, left and right cross links, and front and rear coupling units. The rotary member is mounted rotatably on the base frame, and has left and right sides. Each of the left and right rocker link units is coupled pivotably to the base frame and has a plurality of engaging segments disposed along the length thereof. Each of the left and right foot pedals is coupled pivotably to a respective one of the left and right rocker link units. Each of the left and right cross links has a plurality of engaging segments disposed along the length thereof. The front coupling unit includes left and right couplers, each of which couples pivotably a respective one of the left and right sides of the rotary member to a selected one of the engaging segments of a respective one of the left and right cross links. The rear coupling unit includes left and right couplers, each of which couples pivotably a respective one of the left and right cross links to a selected one of the engaging segments of a respective one of the left and right rocker link units.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional exercising machine;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of an exercising machine according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the first preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic rear view of the first preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate a rear coupling unit of the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate a handle unit of the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate a front coupling unit of the first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate operation of the front coupling unit for adjusting the first preferred embodiment to a minimum stride height;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view to illustrate the first preferred embodiment in a state of use after adjustment thereof to the minimum stride height;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate operation of the front coupling unit for adjusting the first preferred embodiment to a maximum stride height;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view to illustrate the first preferred embodiment in a state of use after adjustment thereof to the maximum stride height;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary schematic view to illustrate operation of the rear coupling unit for adjusting the first preferred embodiment to minimum and maximum stride lengths;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view to illustrate the first preferred embodiment in a state of use after adjustment thereof to the maximum stride length;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of an exercising machine according to the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a foot pedal of the second preferred embodiment in an assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first preferred embodiment of an exercising machine according to this invention is shown to include a base frame 20, a resistance-providing rotary member 23, left and right rocker link units 50, left and right foot pedals 33, left and right cross links 41, and front and rear coupling units 42, 43.

The exercising machine of this embodiment, such as an elliptical exercising machine, permits adjustment of stride height and stride length thereof, in a manner that will be described hereinafter.

The base frame 20 includes front and rear frame members 21, 22, each of which includes left and right arcuate legs. In this embodiment, each of the left and right arcuate legs of the front frame member 21 has a first end 211 (only the first end 211 of the left arcuate leg of the front frame member 21 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) that is disposed on a flat surface (not shown), and a second end 212 that is disposed above the first end 211 thereof. Each of the left and right arcuate legs of the rear frame member 22 is connected to a respective one of the left and right arcuate legs of the front frame members 21, and has a first end 221 (only the first end 211 of the left arcuate leg of the rear frame member 22 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) that is disposed on the flat surface, and a second end 222 that is disposed above the first end 221 thereof.

The base frame 20 further includes an upright frame member 213 that is mounted securely on the front frame member 21 thereof.

The exercising machine further includes a console 24 that is mounted on an upper end portion of the upright frame member 213 of the base frame 20, and that is used by the user (not shown) for monitoring and controlling operations of the exercising machine, in a manner well known in the art.

The exercising machine further includes a pair of stationary grips 25 that are mounted on the upper end portion of the upright frame member 213 of the base frame 20.

The resistance-imparting rotary member 23 is mounted rotatably on the front frame member 21 of the base frame 20, has left and right sides 231 (only the left side 231 of the rotary member 23 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), is operable so as to impart a resistance, and defines an axis of rotation. Since the construction of the rotary member 23 is known to those skilled in the art, a detailed description of the same will be dispensed with herein for the sake of brevity.

With further reference to FIG. 4, the left and right rocker link units 50 constitute a four-bar linkage, and are connected pivotably and respectively to the left and right arcuate legs of the front frame member 21 of the base frame 20. In particular, the left rocker link unit 50 includes front and rear rocker links 51, 52, each of which has opposite upper and lower end portions 511, 512, 521, 522. The upper end portion 511, 521 of each of the front and rear rocker links 51, 52 of the left rocker link unit 50 has a top end that is connected pivotably to the left arcuate leg of the front frame member 21 of the base frame 20. The lower end portion 512, 522 of each of the front and rear rocker links 51, 52 of the left rocker link unit 50 has a first segment 5121, 5221 that extends from the upper end portion 511, 521 of a respective one of the front and rear rocker links 51, 52, and a second segment 5122, 5222 that extends from the first segment 5121, 5221 and that is bent ninety degrees toward the right rocker link unit 50.

The front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50, as best shown in FIG. 5, has a plurality of engaging segments 513 that are disposed along the length thereof. In this embodiment, each of the engaging segments 513 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 is formed with an engaging hole 5130.

Since the construction of the right rocker link unit 50 is similar to that of the left rocker link unit 50, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

The exercising machine further includes left and right handle units 32, each of which is coupled to the front rocker link 51 of a respective one of the left and right rocker link units 50 so to be co-rotatable therewith. In particular, as best shown in FIG. 6, the left handle unit 32 includes a tubular member 321 that extends from the upper end portion 511 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50, a handle 322 that extends removably into the tubular member 321, and a retainer 323, such as a screw, that extends into the tubular member 321 and that engages threadedly the handle 322.

Since the construction of the right handle unit 32 is similar to that of the left handle unit 32, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

The left foot pedal 33, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, includes a bottom part 331 that has front and rear ends, each of which is sleeved rotatably on the second segment 5122, 5222 of the lower end portion 512, 522 of the respective one of the front and rear rocker links 51, 52 of the left rocker link unit 50, and a top part 332 that is disposed on the bottom part 331.

Since the construction of the right foot pedal 33 is similar to that of the left foot pedal 33, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein.

The left cross link 41 has front and rear end portions 411, 412, and has a pair of engaging segments 413 that are disposed along the length of the front end portion thereof, as best shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, each of the engaging segments 413 of the left cross link 41 is formed with an engaging hole 4130.

Since the construction of the right cross link 41 is similar to that of the left cross link 41, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein.

The front coupling unit 42 includes left and right couplers 421. In this embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 7, the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 includes a front pivoting member 422, a front pivot joint 424, and a front fastening member 423. The front pivot joint 424 of the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 defines a first pivot axis (A), and interconnects the left side 231 of the rotary member 23 and the front pivoting member 422 of the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42. In particular, the front pivot joint 424 is connected fixedly to the left side 231 of the rotary member 23, while the front pivoting member 422 is sleeved rotatably on the front pivot joint 424.

The front fastening member 423 of the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 is operable so as to fasten releasably the front pivoting member 422 of the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 to a selected one of the engaging segments 413 of the left cross link 41. In particular, the front fastening member 423 of the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 includes a front bolt 4231 that is attached, such as by welding, to the front pivoting member 422, and that extends through the engaging hole 4130 in the selected one of the engaging segments 413 of the left cross link 41, and a front nut 4232 that engages threadedly the front bolt 4231.

Since the construction of the right coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 is similar to that of the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

The rear coupling unit 43 includes left and right couplers 431. In this embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 5, the left coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 includes a rear pivoting member 432, a rear pivot joint 434, and a rear fastening member 433. The rear pivot joint 434 of the left coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 defines a second pivot axis (B), and interconnects a rear end of the rear end portion 412 of the left cross link 41 and the rear pivoting member 432 of the left coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43. The rear fastening member 433 of the left coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 is operable so as to fasten releasably the rear pivoting member 432 to a selected one of the engaging segments 513 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50. In particular, the rear fastening member 433 of the left coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 includes a rear bolt 4331 that is attached, such as by welding, to the rear pivoting member 432, and that extends through the engaging hole 5130 in the selected one of the engaging segments 513 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50, and a rear nut 4332 that engages threadedly the rear bolt 4331.

Since the construction of the right coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 is similar to that of the left coupler 431 of the rear coupling unit 43, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

From the above description, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the front pivoting member 422 of each of the left and right couplers 421 of the front coupling unit 42 (only the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 is shown in FIG. 8) is fastened to the engaging region 413 that is closest to a front end of the front end portion 411 of a respective one of the left and right cross links 41 (only the left cross link 41 is shown in FIG. 8), the exercising machine of this invention is adjusted to a minimum stride height (Hi), as best shown in FIG. 9. As such, when the exercising machine of this invention is in operation, that is, when the user steps on the left and right foot pedals 33, the striding movement performed by the user corresponds more to motion made while walking. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the front pivoting member 422 of each of the left and right couplers 421 of the front coupling unit 42 (only the left coupler 421 of the front coupling unit 42 is shown in FIG. 10) is fastened to the engaging region 413 that is farthest from the front end of the front end portion 411 of the respective one of the left and right cross links 41 (only the left cross link 41 is shown in FIG. 10), the exercising machine of this invention is adjusted to a maximum stride height, as best shown in FIG. 11. As such, when the exercising machine of this invention is in operation, the striding movement performed by the user corresponds more to motion made while climbing.

In addition, as best shown in FIG. 9, when it is desired to adjust the exercising machine of this invention to a minimum stride length (L1), as illustrated in FIG. 12, the rear pivoting member 432 of each of the left and right couplers 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 (only the left coupler 431 is shown in FIG. 12) is simply fastened to the engaging region 513 that is closest to the top end of the upper end portion 511 of the front rocker link 51 of the respective one of the left and right rocker link units 50 (only the left rocker link unit 50 is shown in FIG. 12). On the other hand, as best shown in FIG. 13, when it is desired to adjust the exercising machine of this invention to a maximum stride length (L2), as illustrated in FIG. 12, the rear pivoting member 432 of each of the left and right couplers 431 of the rear coupling unit 43 is simply fastened to the engaging region 513 that is farthest from the top end of the upper end portion 511 of the front rocker link 51 of the respective one of the left and right rocker link units 50.

It is noted herein that the exercising machine of this invention is configured such that, when in operation, the first pivot axis (A) is always located above the second axis (B). In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 3, an imaginary line (L), which interconnects the first and second pivot axes (A, B), always forms an angle (θ), relative to a horizontal line (H), that is greater than zero. As such, dead center positions of the rotary member 23 are bypassed, thereby ensuring smooth operation of the exercising machine of this invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates the second preferred embodiment of an exercising machine according to this invention. When compared to the previous embodiment, each of the left and right rocker link units 50 (only the left rocker link unit 50 is shown in FIG. 14) dispenses with the rear rocker link 52 (see FIG. 2). The bottom part 331 of the left foot pedal 33 is mounted securely on the second segment 5122 of the lower end portion 512 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50. In particular, with further reference to FIG. 15, the bottom part 331 of the left foot pedal 33 is formed with an elongate groove 3311. The second segment 5122 of the lower end portion 512 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 is disposed in the elongate groove 3311 in the bottom part 331 of the left foot pedal 33. The left foot pedal 33 further includes a pair of screws 333, each of which extends through the bottom part 331 of the left foot pedal 33 and engages threadedly the second segment 5122 of the lower end portion 512 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50.

The left foot pedal 33 further includes pair of cushioning members 334, each of which is disposed on a respective one of the front and rear ends of the bottom part 331 of the left foot pedal 33.

The top part 332 of the left foot pedal 33 is disposed on the cushioning members 334, and is provided with a pair of ears 3321 that are sleeved rotatably on the second segment 5122 of the lower end portion 512 of the front rocker link 51 of the left rocker link unit 50 and that is retained thereon with the use of a screw 3322.

Since the construction the right foot pedal 33 is similar to that of the left foot pedal 33 of this embodiment, a detailed description thereof is omitted herein for the sake of brevity.

From the above description, when the exercising machine of this invention is in use, the top part 332 of each of the left and right foot pedals 33 alternately presses against the cushioning members 334 of a respective one of the left and right foot pedals 33, thereby providing comfort for the user.

While the present invention has been described in connection with what are considered the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements. 

1. An exercising machine, comprising: a base frame; a resistance-imparting rotary member mounted rotatably on said base frame, and having left and right sides; left and right rocker link units, each of which is coupled pivotably to said base frame and each of which has a plurality of engaging segments disposed along the length thereof; left and right foot pedals, each of which is coupled pivotably to a respective one of said left and right rocker link units; left and right cross links, each of which has a plurality of engaging segments disposed along the length thereof; a front coupling unit including left and right couplers, each of which couples pivotably a respective one of said left and right sides of said rotary member to a selected one of said engaging segments of a respective one of said left and right cross links; and a rear coupling unit including left and right couplers, each of which couples pivotably the respective one of said left and right cross links to a selected one of said engaging segments of the respective one of said left and right rocker link units.
 2. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said left and right couplers of said front coupling unit includes a front pivoting member, a front pivot joint that interconnects the respective one of said left and right sides of said rotary member and said front pivoting member, and a front fastening member that is operable so as to fasten releasably said front pivoting member to the selected one of said engaging segments of the respective one of said left and right cross links.
 3. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of said engaging segments of each of said left and right cross links is formed with an engaging hole, said front fastening member of each of said left and right couplers including a front bolt that is provided on said front pivoting member of the respective one of said left and right couplers, and that extends through said engaging hole in the selected one of the engaging segments of the respective one of said left and right cross links, and a front nut that engages threadedly said front bolt.
 4. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said left and right couplers of said rear coupling unit includes a rear pivoting member, a rear pivot joint that interconnects the respective one of said left and right cross links and said rear pivoting member, and a rear fastening member that is operable so as to fasten releasably said rear pivoting member to the selected one of said engaging segments of the respective one of said left and right rocker link units.
 5. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of said engaging segments of each of said left and right rocker link units is formed with an engaging hole, each of said rear fastening member of each of said left and right couplers including a rear bolt that is provided on said rear pivoting member of a respective one of said left and right couplers, and that extends through said engaging hole in the selected one of said engaging segments of the respective one of said left and right rocker link units, and a rear nut that engages threadedly said rear bolt.
 6. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising left and right handle units, each of which is coupled to a respective one of said left and right rocker link units so to be co-rotatable therewith, each of said left and right handle units including a tubular member that extends from the respective one of said left and right rocker link units, a handle that extends removably into said tubular member, and a retainer that extends into said tubular member and that engages said handle.
 7. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said front and rear coupling units defines a pivot axis, said pivot axis of said front coupling unit being disposed above said pivot axis of said rear coupling unit.
 8. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said left and right rocker link units constitute a four-bar linkage.
 9. The exercising machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said left and right foot pedals includes a bottom part that is mounted securely on the respective one of said left and right rocker link units, a cushioning member that is disposed on said bottom part, and a top part that is disposed on said cushioning member and that is coupled pivotably to said bottom part. 